Needle Little Bit of Love?
Magnetic Needle Case
©2026 by Cynthia Rutledge
Today, we take them for granted. But in history, the sewing needle was a treasured item. Early mankind, say around 28,000 BC, used bone, antler or wood to carve out needles that would be used for sewing plant fibers, gut or sinew. These needles didn’t have an eye; they had what would be more like slits in one end that would use compression to hold the fiber.
By the Bronze age, around 7,000 BC, needles have been found in copper, iron and bronze. Sadly, preservation of these items is virtually impossible, as the materials oxidized so much, that the metallic needles, of this time period, are rarely found in good condition.
In 1496, Leonardo DaVinci constructed a machine to point sewing needles. Up until this time, needles were crude and roughly made, usually by a blacksmith. In 1567, a factory in England learned how to draw fine steel wires. They then produced over 90% of the world’s needles by the 19th century.
As we move forward in history, handmade needles with a threading hole now, needed to be protected in some sort of a case. Until the industrial age of needle making, needles were still handmade and were considered exotic treasures that were special and rare.
One of the earliest cases is in the Swedish History Museum. The cylindrical case is made of bronze and is from the 5th – 14th century and attributed to the Viking Era. Needle cases, or books, can be found in many different varieties and made out of many different materials. Bronze, brass, precious metals, bone, leather, ivory and fabric were all used through the ages. From screw top, cylindrical cases to decorative little needle books, these little treasures held the precious cargo of the not so simple needle!
Needle Little Bitta of Love? is inspired by the historical perspective of the needle and the case unto which it would be stored. The lid of the case is embellished with CZs in a beaded floral motif and has a layered system of suede and plastic, creating a sturdy case for our precious beading needles.
The base of the case is actually magnetic, so our needles will stay where we put them! The two tongue-shaped needle case components are hinged in the back, allowing the two pieces to be opened easily. CZs are set into the endcaps on the hinge, adding a bit of elegance. A snap in the front, keeps the case closed and our needles safe and sound.
Skill level: Intermediate to advance
Workshop length: This design has been created for the Beadventures Cruise the Panama event in January 2027
Dimensions: 2-1/2 inches wide by 3-1/8 inches (approximately)